10 Best Shorts for Under Dresses, From Anti-Chafing to Compression

Let's be real, not everyone dreams of having a Marilyn moment. If you're anything like me, you never leave the house in a dress or skirt without a pair of shorts underneath. But here's the thing: The best shorts for under dresses give you more than just peace of mind on a breezy day. They also prevent chafing and thigh irritation. Some can even contour your body to enhance your natural curves. In my opinion, they're a must-have for wedding season when dresses and skirts are on heavy rotation. That's why my team and I tested and reviewed countless products to find the best shorts to wear under dresses. Whether you're looking for something to wear under your wedding dress, bridesmaid dress or wedding guest dress, you can count on the products below.

The Best Shorts for Under Dresses, At a Glance

Already know what you're looking for? Shop the best spandex shorts for under dresses with the click of a button below.

• Best Overall Shorts for Under Dresses: SKIMS Seamless Sculpt High-Waisted Above the Knee Shorts, $44 | See full review
• Best Compression Shorts for Under Dresses: Honeylove SuperPower Short, $89 | See full review
• Best Anti-Chafing Shorts for Under Dresses: Thigh Society The Original Shorts, $45 | See full review
• Best Smoothing Shorts for Under Dresses: Commando Featherlight Control Short, $74 | See full review
• Most Breathable Shorts for Under Dresses: Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts, $44 | See full review
• Best Cooling Shorts for Under Dresses: Knix Leakproof Contour Thigh Saver, $49 | See full review
• Best Seamless Shorts for Under Dresses: Intimissimi Raw Edge Seamless Cotton Shorts, $18 | See full review
• Best Slimming Shorts for Under Dresses: SPANX OnCore Mid-Thigh Shorts, $64 | See full review
• Best Padded Shorts for Under Dresses: Leonisa Undetectable Padded Butt Lifter Shaper Short, $55 | See full review
• Best Plus-Size Shorts for Under Dresses: Lane Bryant Level 3 Contouring High-Waist Thigh Shaper, $55 | See full review

In this article: Top Picks | What to Look For | Best Shorts for Under Dresses

What to Look for in Shorts to Wear Under Dresses

Finding the best shorts for under a dress wasn't an easy task. Our team tested out countless products to find ones that we felt were wedding-worthy. So, what were the specific criteria we were judging them on? Well, coverage was one of the main things, since experts believe you need shorts with an inseam of five inches or longer to adequately prevent chafing. Knowing that weddings involve quite a bit of movement, from walking down the aisle to hitting the dance floor, we also looked for shorts that would stay in place for long periods of time without rolling down or riding up. Finally, we took note from some of our favorite types of shapewear to find shorts that could smooth and sculpt the body while doing everything that we mentioned above. By looking for these key things, we were able to find some of the best slip shorts for under dresses that are on the market today.

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10 Best Shorts for Under Dresses, According to Reviews

Enough with the chit-chat. Let's dive into the best bike shorts for under dresses. You can scroll through all my top picks or jump ahead to a specific category to shop the exact pair you're looking for.

Shorts by style: Best Overall | Compression | Anti-Chafing | Smoothing | Breathable | Cooling | Seamless | Slimming | Padded | Plus-Size

Best Overall Shorts for Under Dresses: SKIMS Seamless Sculpt High-Waisted Above the Knee Shorts

Photo: SKIMS

Our readers can't seem to get enough of these shorts and it's no mystery why. Not only do they prevent chafing, but they also enhance your *assets* if you know what I mean. Designed with SKIMS' innovative Seamless Sculpt technology, they offer strong, targeted compression around the stomach and thighs while lifting and sculpting the butt.

Standout review: "Two major things stuck out to me the first time I put on my SKIMS shorts: They're comfortable and they stay in place wonderfully. When it comes to wearing shorts under dresses I always worry about them bunching up and feeling bulky. But these shorts keep your thighs from chafing without being cumbersome." –Hannah Nowack, Senior Manager of Editorial Brand Content

Size range: XXS–4X | Colors: 8
Price at time of publication: $44

Best Compression Shorts for Under Dresses: Honeylove SuperPower Short

Photo: Honeylove

If you're looking for a pair of shorts that double as bridal shapewear, these are the way to go. They offer ultra-firm support to sculpt your body without squeezing it. They have flexible boning hidden in the side seams to prevent them from rolling down or riding up throughout the day. They even have an opening in the gusset to make bathroom trips easier. (At least as easy as they can be in a wedding gown.)

Standout review: ""The Honeylove SuperPower Shorts were supportive, comfortable and stayed in place all day long. They didn't ride up or roll down which is always a worry with shapewear. The length of the shorts was perfect for preventing any uncomfortable chafing on my wedding day." –Emily Wise, Content Strategy Lead

Size range: XS–3X | Colors: 6
Price at time of publication: $89

Best Anti-Chafing Shorts for Under Dresses: Thigh Society The Original Shorts

Photo: Thigh Society

There's a reason Thigh Society's original shorts sell out so fast: They're just that good. They stay in place without rolling or riding up. They've got a pocket on the side where you can keep your phone during the ceremony. Plus, they're designed to fit virtually any body type. Planning to wear a short dress? No problem. These come in three different lengths including a five-inch inseam option.

Editor review: These shorts were a total gamechanger for me this summer. I wore them under skirts and dresses during the most humid days of the year and they instantly cooled me down. On top of that, they stayed in place and didn't ride up, even after walking miles in them." –Sofia Deeb, Assistant Fashion Editor

Size range: XS–6X | Colors: 5
Price at time of publication: $45

Best Smoothing Shorts for Under Dresses: Commando Featherlight Control Short

Photo: Commando

For a smooth, undetectable look under a form-fitting wedding gown, my advice is to go Commando. And no, I'm not talking about ditching your shorts altogether. Commando's Featherlight Control Shorts are so thin, they'll go totally unnoticed under your gown. Not only that, but they also offer medium to light compression to help you feel secure.

Standout review: "The Featherlight Control Short is like wearing the top of a pair of pantyhose. It feels like nothing but smooths out everything. They're great for all year round but especially in any hot weather." –Barbara, wearcommando.com

Size range: XS–XL | Colors: 2
Price at time of publication: $74

Most Breathable Shorts for Under Dresses: Thigh Society The Cooling Shorts

Photo: Thigh Society

Even the grandest of tulle ballgowns won't be able to stop the airflow when you're wearing these breathable shorts. They're made from a hi-tech performance fabric that pulls heat and moisture away from your body. Don't be surprised when you forget you're even wearing them.

Standout review: "This was one of the best purchases I've made in a while. I bought them to wear under dresses and skirts for a vacation where I'd be walking a lot. They were perfect! No chafing at all! They're VERY breathable." –MJ, thighsociety.com

Size range: XS–2X | Colors: 11
Price at time of publication: $44

Best Cooling Shorts for Under Dresses: Knix Leakproof Contour Thigh Saver

Photo: Knix

Where are all my *hot* girls at? I've got just the thing for you. These shorts for under your wedding dress are made from cooling fabric that will keep you from overheating, even as you're tearing it up on the dance floor. Oh, and get this: They can also absorb about 3 regular tampons' worth of liquid, so you won't have to worry about leaks or sweat.

Editor review: "These are so comfortable, it's easy to forget you're wearing them! They do not ride up and they provide a beautifully smooth line under close fitting dresses. All that and they also feel more breathable than I expected them to." –Caroline, knix.com

Size range: XS–4X | Colors: 3
Price at time of publication: $49

Best Seamless Shorts for Under Dresses: Intimissimi Raw Edge Seamless Cotton Shorts

Photo: Intimissimi

As you're walking down the aisle, the last thing you'll want is for your guests to be greeted by the sight of your underwear lines. Solution: These seamless shorts from Intimissimi. They've garnered quite the cult following thanks to their buttery soft feel and smooth undetectable appearance under clothes.

Standout review: "I've had these shorts for years now! They are so soft and thin! They don't fade after several washes. I wear them under dresses and oversized shirts. The bottoms of the shorts are seamless and so not roll up or put an indent in my legs. They are perfect." –Mia, intimissimi.com

Size range: S–XL | Colors: 2
Price at time of publication: $18

Best Slimming Shorts for Under Dresses: SPANX OnCore Mid-Thigh Shorts

Photo: SPANX

That coveted hourglass figure is a lot more attainable than you might think. With the right shorts under your wedding dress, you can have a snatched waist and lifted booty at the same time. Enter: These mid-thigh shorts from SPANX. Designed with tummy-slimming and butt-shaping technology, they're perfect for wearing under a dress with a form-fitting silhouette.

Standout review: "I wore these shorts under my wedding dress and I felt confident in a tight, white dress all day! Not only were they flattering, they were so comfortable and I didn't think twice about them once they were on. My bridesmaids, mom, and mother-in-law all also wore their Spanx shapewear on the big day!" –Kayla, spanx.com

Size range: XS–XL | Colors: 4
Price at time of publication: $64

Best Padded Shorts for Under Dresses: Leonisa Undetectable Padded Butt Lifter Shaper Short

Photo: Leonisa

These shorts have removable contour padding to add volume and give your butt an instant lift. They also have moderate compression around the waist and thighs to flatter your figure, all the while going undetected under your wedding gown thanks to their seamless design. Basically, they're like a push-up bra for your booty.

Standout review: "I'm totally impressed with this product and didn't expect such results. They're comfortable, cool and they stay up. I even forgot I had them on." –Jude, leonisa.com

Size range: S–L | Colors: 1
Price at time of publication: $55

Best Plus-Size Shorts for Under Dresses: Lane Bryant Level 3 Contouring High-Waist Thigh Shaper

Photo: Lane Bryant

These plus-size shorts for under wedding dresses were designed to flatter your curves in all the right ways. They offer level 3 contouring, which is Lane Bryant's highest degree of shaping and smoothing, making them an excellent option for plus-size shapewear as well. Sheer illusion mesh panels give them an added touch of sexiness while silicone grips keep them from riding up throughout the day.

Standout review: "I have worn many types of shapewear from many different brands. These ones have by far been my favorite for durability, quality and overall results they give!" –Jen, lanebryant.com

Size range: 14–36 | Colors: 2
Price at time of publication: $55